Posted on: June 11, 2014
Brushing and flossing are not the only ways to take care of your teeth. Your eating patterns and food choices have an important impact on the health of your mouth and teeth. In fact, what you eat is just as important as what you don’t eat. By eating a nutrient-rich diet and limiting certain foods, you can help strengthen your teeth and gums to resist infection and disease. Dr. Parnaz Aurasteh, DDS, a Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, has a few tips for those looking to improve their oral health.
Many people are eating record amounts of sugar: in sodas, sweetened juices, and pastries, and it’s hidden in countless other food products. When oral bacteria mixes with sugar, acid attacks the mouth, resulting in tooth decay and other oral diseases. To help limit damage to your teeth, be sure to check food labels and moderate the amount of added sugars you eat.
What you eat can also affect the whiteness of your teeth and the overall appearance of your smile. Drinking large amounts of coffee and tea can stain and discolor your teeth over time. The pigments of these foods stick to dental enamel. These foods are also often acidic which can erode the enamel, making the teeth even more susceptible to stains.
Poor nutrition affects the entire immune system, which can leave the body, including the mouth, vulnerable to diseases including periodontal disease (gum disease). By eating a well-balanced nutritious diet, you can help promote a healthy body as well as a healthy mouth.
It is important to get the necessary nutrients and vitamins from our food to keep our teeth and gums healthy.
Calcium and Vitamin D are important for maintaining not only strong teeth but also a strong jawbone to fight against periodontal disease. For healthy gums, Vitamin C helps strengthen the blood vessels and tissues that hold teeth in your jaw.
Some foods can even naturally whiten your teeth. Raw nuts are lightly abrasive on the teeth and can rub away plaque and stains from your teeth. Chewing on a raw apple can strengthen gums – plus their high water content helps produce saliva to break down plaque and other food particles in the mouth.
Drinking water helps produce saliva, which protects both hard and soft tissues in the mouth. Water also helps wash food particles that can get stuck in your teeth and stain your teeth. Green tea is rich in antioxidants, which can help prevent the growth of disease-causing bacteria. Reach for these drinks instead of coffee or soda to keep your teeth strong, healthy, and bright.
Ask Dr. Aurasteh about changes you can make in your diet to help improve the appearance and health of your smile. With even the smallest changes, you can prevent many diseases such as tooth decay, periodontal disease, or tooth loss. Schedule your visit with Oral Care Dentistry by calling (310) 247-1252 today.
Next, read about Teeth Whitening in Beverly Hills for the best possible smile.
